蝴蝶单刀   Butterfly Sword  

Period: 1800 - 1900            Blade: 14  "           hilt:  3 5/8"            Width: 1 3/4"            Thickness:  1/4"            Weight:  21 oz
　
Butterfly swords were very popular in southern China, particularly Guangdong(广东）, Guangxi （广西） and  Fujian（福建） in the Late Qing and the Republic.  It were also known as "Eight slash sword" (Bart Jarm Dao).    A single butterfly sword is comparatively shorter in the length, thicker in the back, and thinner in the blade.  The shorter sword allows better maneuvering.    The  broad and heavy-headed blades was used for chopping.  The  D-shaped guards are made by single-body construction of  copper .  It was used effectively to protect the wrist   and can entangle an enemy's weapon.      The handle  was  made of rosewood with auspicious and indigenous designs, with additional brass and reddish copper decorations.     The name, Bart Jarm Dao, was derived from the original design, which emphasizes the training of the eye, the wrist, and the feet.  The coordination of these motions make the Bart Jarm Dao a choice for close fights.